In short, breaks of sunshine over the area are setting the stage for thunderstorms to intensify as they move into the area this afternoon. Damaging winds and a brief tornado may be possible if the threat continues to develop. Since the discussion mentions a tornado threat, it is uncertain whether a severe thunderstorm watch or a tornado watch is being considered.

Stay tuned for the latest from Finger Lakes Weather.

4pm Update: A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of Erie County. Even if a watch isn’t issued for the entire area, individual storms will have the potential to become severe, as this cell illustrates. Remember, a WATCH means conditions are favorable for severe weather, while a WARNING is more serious, as the severe weather is occurring.

Meteorologist Drew Montreuil has been forecasting the weather in the Finger Lakes region since 2006 and has degrees in meteorology from SUNY Oswego (B.S. with Honors) and Cornell (M.S.).
Drew and his wife have three young boys and also run a goat milk soap business, Ye Olde Goat Cart. When not working or playing with the boys, he is probably out for a run through the countryside.